August 17, 2004
The MIT athletic program offers opportunities for sports instruction and participation at all levels. Physical education is required for all undergraduates. Approximately 20 percent of undergraduates also compete in intercollegiate athletics, and more than 65 percent of all students (graduate and undergraduate) take part in intramural sports. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), MIT sponsors the broadest intercollegiate athletic program in the country, with 41 varsity teams (21 for men, 17 for women, 3 coeducational). MIT competes mainly against Division III New England colleges and Ivy League schools, but also routinely participates in regional and national tournaments and championships. There are more than 20 intramural programs, with over 1,000 teams and a 75 percent undergraduate participation rate. MIT also fields one of the most expansive club programs in the country, with over 40 programs open to undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff. MIT has earned 114 All-America citations, the highest total among any Division III program in the nation. Based on an annual report collected by the National Collegiate Scouting Association (NSCA), which determines the top colleges and universities in the country according to the Sears Cup rank, The U.S. News and World Report rank and the student-athlete graduation rank, MIT was tabbed the 16th best school in America for 2002-2003 in all divisions when combining both athletics and academics. MIT's athletic facilities have recently undergone an unprecedented expansion and renovation. September 2002 saw the opening of the Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center, a 124,000-square-foot facility featuring two swimming pools, a fitness center, international scale squash courts, a multiactivity court, and support services. Other recent renovations include reconstruction of the outdoor track and field areas, resurfacing of the indoor track, and a new Astroturf surface on Jack Barry field. With 10 buildings and 26 acres of playing fields, MIT also boasts one of the most complete athletic complexes in New England.
